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Woodshedding - Learning to Play!
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Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 6,401
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OP
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Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 6,401 |
Although I play 7 instruments, I am best at saxophone, flute and wind synthesizer. All single note instruments (the wind synth has the capability of more than one, but in most situations that is impractical). I've improvised solos long before BiaB was around. IMHO Improvising a good solo requires creating tensions and then resolving them with the other instruments in the band. So practicing improvisation on the sax is difficult without the rest of the band members present, and in most cases one cannot expect the band to continuously play a song over and over while you try things out and practice improvising solos. Before BiaB we had Music Minus One records (vinyl platters with grooves in them) followed by MMO cassette tapes. These were good aids but had four definitely limitations. (1) The songs available to practice with were limited to the small catalog of songs in the MMO library (2) you were stuck with the key of the recording (3) you were stuck with the tempo of the recording (4) if you were having trouble with a particular passage, it was difficult to find that part and play it over and over again. Band-in-a-Box solves all these problems. Virtually any song you want, any tempo you want, any key you want, any style you want, and you can loop a section over and over to your heart's content. This was the reason I bought BiaB for way back when I was using an Atari/ST computer and BiaB/PC was still in the DOS format. Like most users of this app, I have found a number of different ways to use BiaB. When appropriate I use it to create backing tracks for my duo http://www.nortonmusic.com/backing_tracks.html, I use it to do the 'mule work' of harmonizing a part, I use it in my feeble attempts to write new songs, I started a 'moonlighting' business of creating style and fake disks for BiaB, and I still find it extremely useful for practicing improvisation. We all learned certain rules for improv, some in school, some from other musicians, and some from self-discovery. But the rules are not concrete, written-in-stone formulas, but merely guidelines as to what works in a certain situation. Plus in many situations there are different ways to look at it and different rules to apply. And one more thing, the rules are made to be broken. So with BiaB you can try many different things on the same song without boring the rest of the band while they play the song over and over while you try things out (that is, IF you can get the band to do that in the first place). Secondly, if what you thought might work sounds terrible (as it sometimes does) you don't embarrass yourself because BiaB is completely non-judgmental. So while it does have many other fine uses, I believe BiaB is the absolute best tool for an improvising musician on the market. Crank it up, get your axe out, and start playing with it. Insights and incites by Notes
Bob "Notes" Norton  Norton Music
https://www.nortonmusic.com
100% MIDI Super-Styles recorded by live, pro, studio musicians for a live groove
& Fake Disks for MIDI and/or RealTracks
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Woodshedding - Learning to Play!
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Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 1,259
Expert
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Expert
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 1,259 |
Good post, Bob, and particularly applicable to me. I've been using some of Jamey Aebersold's books, such as "Nothin' But Blues." Sometimes the tempo on the accompanying CD is too fast causing me to concentrate more on keeping up than experimenting with my improv. I should add that I don't do enough improv to have learned it very well. Someone suggested that I study the modes. Sadly, I only made a minimal effort at it as it became more like memorizing for a biology test. I'm sure there are many books on improvization, but, as you aptly point out, it's better to learn by playing. If there was a modes dvd, at a slow tempo, I might do better. Alternatively, maybe I should make up some exercises of my own using BIAB.
Cornet Curmudgeon
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Woodshedding - Learning to Play!
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Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 484
Journeyman
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Journeyman
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 484 |
Hey Norton, I got one for ya. Growing up a guitarist in the days of vinyl I wore out Peter Frampton’s, “Do You Feel Like We Do” with my guitar.
I have used BIAB for practicing many times. I would load a riff and try a style moving the tempo to and fro. Then, there were also the music/ear training games that I let me daughter use that helps her.
Although I am not one to toil over a particular part until I got every note correct. You will definitely hear it in my recorded music. My primary technique in using BIAB as a practice tool is to take some of their pre-composed songs, and study the lines in them. This will cause my fingers to break their muscle memory. It is a great resource that allows you to break down, measure by measure, what is taking place in the song. I find that so much more productive than watching a video of a guitar virtuoso demonstrating their wares. That is for the “ooh” & “ah” effect. I need to see notes on a page and music accompanying it to really get better as a player.
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Woodshedding - Learning to Play!
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Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 6,401
Veteran
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OP
Veteran
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 6,401 |
Quote:
Hey Norton, I got one for ya. Growing up a guitarist in the days of vinyl I wore out Peter Frampton’s, “Do You Feel Like We Do” with my guitar.<...>
When I was young, I wore out a vinyl copy of "Harlem Nocturne" by The Viscounts - so I understand EXACTLY what you are saying.
BiaB has helped my improvisations more than any other tool at my disposal. The MMO products like Abersold are limiting in song selection, key, and tempo.
Theory books are great, but there is more than one right way to play an improvised solo in every song. Different ways of looking at the chords in relation to the other chords and key signature, plenty of choices to be made, some will sound better to the artist's ears than others (and some will sound bad). Using BiaB I can practice improvisation in the privacy of my own home, and nobody will hear the failed experiments but my computer, and it is completely non-judgmental  Plus it has the patience to do it over and over and over until I get it to the point where I feel comfortable.
Practicing improvisation was the main reason I bought BiaB way back in the Atari days. Writing styles and creating my own backing tracks came later. There are dozens of uses for BiaB, some of which I use frequently and some of which I don't use at all - those are for other musicians.
Adding PTPro or RealBand and it's the "Swiss Army Knife" of musical apps.
And today, I'm a better musician because of these tools than I might have been without them.
I can't say enough nice things about it.
Notes
Bob "Notes" Norton Norton Music
https://www.nortonmusic.com
100% MIDI Super-Styles recorded by live, pro, studio musicians for a live groove
& Fake Disks for MIDI and/or RealTracks
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Woodshedding - Learning to Play!
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Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 6,706
Veteran
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Veteran
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 6,706 |
Notes,
Right you are . . . from day one using BIAB I have said that besides the obvious benefits of the program even more importantly it has made me a better musician.
Later,
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Woodshedding - Learning to Play!
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Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 23,532
Veteran
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Veteran
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 23,532 |
Quote:
Quote:
Hey Norton, I got one for ya. Growing up a guitarist in the days of vinyl I wore out Peter Frampton’s, “Do You Feel Like We Do” with my guitar.<...>
When I was young, I wore out a vinyl copy of "Harlem Nocturne" by The Viscounts - so I understand EXACTLY what you are saying.
Notes
I feel both of you guy’s pain.
I wore out all of my Chuck Berry vinyl way back when 
The fitness trainer asked me, "What kind of a squat are you accustomed to doing?" I said, "Diddly."
64 bit Win 11 Pro, the latest BiaB/RB, Roland Octa-Capture audio interface, a ton of software/hardware
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Woodshedding - Learning to Play!
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Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 6,401
Veteran
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OP
Veteran
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 6,401 |
The pain wasn't the learning, that was exciting.
The pain was trying to find replacement vinyl for something that was no longer in the record stores.
I still like the sound of clean vinyl, but I also really like digital and the new tools that we have now.
Notes
Bob "Notes" Norton Norton Music
https://www.nortonmusic.com
100% MIDI Super-Styles recorded by live, pro, studio musicians for a live groove
& Fake Disks for MIDI and/or RealTracks
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Woodshedding - Learning to Play!
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Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 17
Enthusiast
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Enthusiast
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 17 |
Lately, I've been practicing my jazz piano playing with BIAB by taking a jazz tune with a Real Tracks style and muting everything but the bass. It helps a lot with my time, and my listening skills.
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Ask sales and support questions about Band-in-a-Box using natural language.
ChatPG's knowledge base includes the full Band-in-a-Box User Manual and sales information from the website.
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XPro and Xtra Styles PAKs Special Extended Until August 31st!
XPro & Xtra Styles PAKs Special Extended Until August 31st!
The XPro Styles PAKs and Xtra Styles PAKs special offers are now available until August 31st at 11:59pm PDT!
Ready to take your Band-in-a-Box® 2025 experience to the next level? Now’s the perfect time! Expand your style library with XPro and Xtra Styles PAKs—packed with a wide variety of genres to inspire your next musical creation.
What are XPro Styles and Xtra Styles PAKs?
XPro Styles PAKs are styles that work with any version (Pro, MegaPAK, UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition) of Band-in-a-Box® 2025 (or higher). XPro Styles PAKS 1-9 includes 900 styles!
Xtra Styles PAKs are styles that work with the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box® 2025 (or higher). With over 3,500 styles (and 35 MIDI styles) included in Xtra Styles PAKs 1-20, the possibilities are endless!
Get the XPro Styles PAKs 1 - 9 for only $29 ea (Reg. $49 ea), or get them all in the XPro Styles PAK Bundle for only $149 (reg. $299)! Listen to demos and order now! For Windows or for Mac.
Note: XPro Styles PAKs require Band-in-a-Box® 2025 or higher and are compatible with ANY package, including the Pro, MegaPAK, UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, and Audiophile Edition.
Get Xtra Styles PAKs 1 - 20 are on special for only $29 each (reg $49), or get all 19 PAKs for $199 (reg $399)! Listen to demos and order now! For Windows or for Mac.
Note: The Xtra Styles require the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box®. (Xtra Styles PAK 19 requires the 2025 or higher UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition. They will not work with the Pro or MegaPAK version because they need the RealTracks from the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition.
Don’t miss this chance to supercharge your Band-in-a-Box setup—at a great price!
Mac 2025 Special Upgrade Offers Extended Until August 15th!
It's not too late to upgrade to Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac® and save! We've extended our special until August 15, 2025!
We've added many major new features to Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac®, including advanced AI tools like the amazing BB Stem Splitter and AI Lyrics Generator, as well as VST3 plugin support, and Equalize Temp. Plus, there’s a new one-stop MIDI Patches Picker with over 1,100 MIDI patches to choose from, all neatly categorized by GM numbers. The MultiPicker Library is enhanced with tabs for the SongPicker, MIDI Patch Picker, Chord Builder, AI Lyrics Generator, and Song Titles Browser, and the tabs are organized into logical groups. The Audiophile Edition is enhanced with FLAC files , which are 60% smaller than AIFF files while maintaining identical audio quality, and now ships on a fast 1TB SSD, and much more!
Check out all the new features in Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac® here:
Purchase your Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac during our special to save up to 50% off your upgrade purchase and receive a FREE BONUS PAK of amazing new Add-ons. These include the 2025 RealCombos Booster PAK, Look Ma! More MIDI 13: Country & Americana, Instrumental Studies Set 22: 2-Hand Piano Soloing - Rhythm Changes, MIDI SuperTracks Set 44: Jazz Piano, Artist Performance Set 17: Songs with Vocals 7, Playable RealTracks Set 4, RealDrums Stems Set 7: Jazz with Mike Clark, and more!
Upgrade to the 2025 49-PAK for just $49 and add 20 Bonus Unreleased RealTracks and 20 RealStyles, FLAC Files for the 20 Bonus Unreleased RealTracks, Look Ma! More MIDI 14: SynthMaster, MIDI SuperTracks Set 45: More SynthMaster, Artist Performance Set 18: Songs with Vocals 8, and RealDrums Stems Set 8: Pop, Funk & More with Jerry Roe.
Learn more about the Bonus PAKs!
New RealTracks Released with Band-in-a-Box 2025!
We’ve expanded the Band-in-a-Box® RealTracks library with 202 incredible new RealTracks (in sets 449-467) across Jazz, Blues, Funk, World, Pop, Rock, Country, Americana, and Praise & Worship—featuring your most requested styles!
Jazz, Blues & World (Sets 449–455):
These RealTracks includes “Soul Jazz” with Neil Swainson (bass), Mike Clark (drums), Charles Treadway (organ), Miles Black (piano), and Brent Mason (guitar). Enjoy “Requested ’60s” jazz, classic acoustic blues with Colin Linden, and more of our popular 2-handed piano soloing. Plus, a RealTracks first—Tango with bandoneon, recorded in Argentina!
Rock & Pop (Sets 456–461):
This collection includes Disco, slap bass ‘70s/‘80s pop, modern and ‘80s metal with Andy Wood, and a unique “Songwriter Potpourri” featuring Chinese folk instruments, piano, banjo, and more. You’ll also find a muted electric guitar style (a RealTracks first!) and “Producer Layered Guitar” styles for slick "produced" sound.
Country, Americana & Praise (Sets 462–467):
We’ve added new RealTracks across bro country, Americana, praise & worship, vintage country, and songwriter piano. Highlights include Brent Mason (electric guitar), Eddie Bayers (drums), Doug Jernigan (pedal steel), John Jarvis (piano), Glen Duncan (banjo, mandolin & fiddle), Mike Harrison (electric bass) and more—offering everything from modern sounds to heartfelt Americana styles
Check out all the 202 New RealTracks (in sets 456-467)
And, if you are looking for more, the 2025 49-PAK (for $49) includes an additional 20 RealTracks with exciting new sounds and genre-spanning styles. Enjoy RealTracks firsts like Chinese instruments (guzheng & dizi), the bandoneon in an authentic Argentine tango trio, and the classic “tic-tac” baritone guitar for vintage country.
You’ll also get slick ’80s metal guitar from Andy Wood, modern metal with guitarist Nico Santora, bass player Nick Schendzielos, and drummer Aaron Stechauner, more praise & worship, indie-folk, modern/bro country with Brent Mason, and “Songwriter Americana” with Johnny Hiland.
Plus, enjoy user-requested styles like Soul Jazz RealDrums, fast Celtic Strathspey guitar, and Chill Hop piano & drums!
The 2025 49-PAK is loaded with other great new add-ons as well. Learn more about the 2025 49-PAK!
Bonus PAKs for Band-in-a-Box 2025 for Mac!
With your version 2025 for Mac Pro, MegaPAK, UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, Audiophile Edition or PlusPAK purchase, we'll include a Bonus PAK full of great new Add-ons FREE! Or upgrade to the 2025 49-PAK for only $49 to receive even more NEW Add-ons including 20 additional RealTracks!
These PAKs are loaded with additional add-ons to supercharge your Band-in-a-Box®!
This Free Bonus PAK includes:
- The 2025 RealCombos Booster PAK:
-For Pro customers, this includes 33 new RealTracks and 65+ new RealStyles.
-For MegaPAK customers, this includes 29 new RealTracks and 45+ new RealStyles.
-For UltraPAK customers, this includes 20 new RealStyles.
- Look Ma! More MIDI 13: Country & Americana
- Instrumental Studies Set 22: 2-Hand Piano Soloing - Rhythm Changes
- MIDI SuperTracks Set 44: Jazz Piano
- Artist Performance Set 17: Songs with Vocals 7
- Playable RealTracks Set 4
- RealDrums Stems Set 7: Jazz with Mike Clark
- SynthMaster Sounds and Styles (with audio demos)
- 128 GM MIDI Patch Audio Demos.
Looking for more great add-ons, then upgrade to the 2025 49-PAK for just $49 and you'll get:
- 20 Bonus Unreleased RealTracks and RealDrums with 20 RealStyles,
- FLAC Files (lossless audio files) for the 20 Bonus Unreleased RealTracks and RealDrums
- Look Ma! More MIDI 14: SynthMaster,
- Instrumental Studies Set 23: More '80s Hard Rock Soloing,
- MIDI SuperTracks Set 45: More SynthMaster
- Artist Performance Set 18: Songs with Vocals 8
- RealDrums Stems Set 8: Pop, Funk & More with Jerry Roe
Learn more about the Bonus PAKs for Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac®!
New! Xtra Styles PAK 20 for Band-in-a-Box 2025 and Higher for Mac!
Xtra Styles PAK 20 for Mac & Windows Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher) is here with 200 brand new RealStyles!
We're excited to bring you our latest and greatest in the all new Xtra Styles PAK 20 for Band-in-a-Box! This fresh installment is packed with 200 all-new styles spanning the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres you've come to expect, as well as the exciting inclusion of electronic styles!
In this PAK you’ll discover: Minimalist Modern Funk, New Wave Synth Pop, Hard Bop Latin Groove, Gospel Country Shuffle, Cinematic Synthwave, '60s Motown, Funky Lo-Fi Bossa, Heavy 1980s Metal, Soft Muted 12-8 Folk, J-Pop Jazz Fusion, and many more!
All the Xtra Styles PAKs 1 - 20 are on special for only $29 each (reg $49), or get all 209 PAKs for $199 (reg $399)! Order now!
Learn more and listen to demos of the Xtra Styles PAK 20.
Video: Xtra Styles PAK 20 Overview & Styles Demos: Watch now!
Note: The Xtra Styles require the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box®. (Xtra Styles PAK 20 requires the 2025 or higher UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition. They will not work with the Pro or MegaPAK version because they need the RealTracks from the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition.
New! XPro Styles PAK 9 for Band-in-a-Box 2025 and higher for Mac!
We've just released XPro Styles PAK 9 for Mac & Windows Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher) with 100 brand new RealStyles, plus 29 RealTracks/RealDrums!
We've been hard at it to bring you the latest and greatest in this 9th installment of our popular XPro Styles PAK series! Included are 75 styles spanning the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres (25 styles each) that fans have come to expect, as well as 25 styles in this volume's wildcard genre: funk & R&B!
If you're itching to get a sneak peek at what's included in XPro Styles PAK 9, here is a small helping of what you can look forward to: Funky R&B Horns, Upbeat Celtic Rock, Jazz Fusion Salsa, Gentle Indie Folk, Cool '60s Soul, Funky '70s R&B, Smooth Jazz Hip Hop, Acoustic Rockabilly Swing, Funky Reggae Dub, Dreamy Retro Latin Jazz, Retro Soul-Rock Fusion, and much more!
Special Pricing! Until July 31, 2024, all the XPro Styles PAKs 1 - 9 are on sale for only $29 ea (Reg. $49 ea), or get them all in the XPro Styles PAK Bundle for only $149 (reg. $299)! Order now!
Learn more and listen to demos of XPro Styles PAKs.
Video: XPro Styles PAK 9 Overview & Styles Demos: Watch now!
XPro Styles PAKs require Band-in-a-Box® 2025 or higher and are compatible with ANY package, including the Pro, MegaPAK, UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, and Audiophile Edition.
New! Xtra Styles PAK 20 for Band-in-a-Box 2025 and Higher for Windows!
Xtra Styles PAK 20 for Windows & Mac Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher) is here with 200 brand new RealStyles!
We're excited to bring you our latest and greatest in the all new Xtra Styles PAK 20 for Band-in-a-Box! This fresh installment is packed with 200 all-new styles spanning the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres you've come to expect, as well as the exciting inclusion of electronic styles!
In this PAK you’ll discover: Minimalist Modern Funk, New Wave Synth Pop, Hard Bop Latin Groove, Gospel Country Shuffle, Cinematic Synthwave, '60s Motown, Funky Lo-Fi Bossa, Heavy 1980s Metal, Soft Muted 12-8 Folk, J-Pop Jazz Fusion, and many more!
All the Xtra Styles PAKs 1 - 20 are on special for only $29 each (reg $49), or get all 209 PAKs for $199 (reg $399)! Order now!
Learn more and listen to demos of the Xtra Styles PAK 20.
Video: Xtra Styles PAK 20 Overview & Styles Demos: Watch now!
Note: The Xtra Styles require the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box®. (Xtra Styles PAK 20 requires the 2025 or higher UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition. They will not work with the Pro or MegaPAK version because they need the RealTracks from the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition.
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